Back
to top

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ

Some College, No Degree

See if you qualify.

Students in classroom

In ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, the cost of tuition should not stop you from earning your degree. That is one reason why ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ offers some of the most generous need-based financial aid per student in the nation. There are a number of State financial aid programs available to students who qualify, including Tuition Aid Grants (TAG), the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) and the Garden State Guarantee (GSG). Based on your income, your degree may be tuition-free!

To be considered for ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ financial aid, complete the or the (if you are an NJ Dreamer). Additional financial information, including state application deadlines, are available through the .

Keep reading for more information on CCOG and GSG.

The ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ College Promise Program is the State's commitment to creating an affordable pathway to a college degree. It consists of two life-changing programs used in tandem: the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) and the Garden State Guarantee (GSG) that promise transparent, predictable pricing for up to four years of college here in ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ. Based on your income, your degree may be tuition-free!

Community College Opportunity Grant
Community College Opportunity Grant

The Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) represents ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's commitment to tuition-free community college. Based on income, eligible ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ students, including NJ Dreamers, can pursue their first associate's degree tuition-free at their local community college.

To be eligible for the Community College Opportunity Grant, students must:

  • Be a ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ resident with an AGI between $0 - $65,000
  • Complete the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application by applicable state deadlines
  • Enroll in at least six (6) credits per semester at one of ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's community colleges
  • Have not yet earned a college degree
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Garden State Guarantee
Garden State Guarantee

The Garden State Guarantee (GSG) enables eligible ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ residents to attend any in-state, public, four-year institution tuition-free during their third and fourth years of study toward their first bachelor's degree. GSG covers the cost of tuition that is not already covered by federal and state financial aid or other scholarships.

To be eligible for the Garden State Guarantee, students must:

  • Be a ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ resident with an AGI between $0 - $65,000
  • Complete the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application by applicable state deadlines
  • Enroll full-time (at least 12 credits per semester) at a ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ public four-year college or university
  • Have not yet earned a Bachelor’s degree
  • Make satisfactory academic progress

Last Updated: Monday, 06/09/25